Former N&W SD40-2 6129 trails a three unit pusher set as they assist an eastbound loaded coal train through the 7110 ft. Elkhorn Tunnel on the way to Bluefield West Virginia.

NS 8673 leads a loaded coal train up the eastbound Elkhorn grade at Maybeury West Virginia.

Norfolk Southern, NS 8502-6607, with an eastbound coal drag on the Pocahontas Divison at Maybeury, West Virginia. February 21, 1992 Jack D Kuiphoff © photo

One more pusher on one more coal train in the days when cabeese were required in Virginia. Roaring up the long grade approaching the tunnel where we grilled hot dogs, basked in the sun and waited... (more)

NS 83A under the now gone N&W CPL signal bridge at Elkhorn Tunnel

NS, Norfolk Southern SD50 6503- C39-8E 8626 with a eastbound coal drag at Maybeury, West Virginia. February 22, 1992. Jack D Kuiphoff photo ©

Exhaust from the head end power is just beginning to waft out as the helpers prepare to enter. After this EB train exits the other end smoke will swirl around for a long time. The giant squirrel... (more)

Loaded coal train NS 76A crossed over route 52 in Maybeury, WV.

Helpers giving a shove on an EB grain train. Photo by Jim Satterwhite, from my collection.

Out of the haze, a westbound helper set heads to Farm for another shove. On a good day a haze remained in the tunnel from lots of trains and if a little east wind was blowing in Coopers the ghost... (more)

A set of power rolls west after coming through the tunnel, where the rusted bearings make a ghostly squeal as the abandoned steam-era exhaust fans turn in the wind. Photo by Jim Satterwhite, fro... (more)

Actually I think it was the previous year when we hung out here, photographing trains, enjoying a little campfire, roasting hot dogs and viewing the magnificent autumn leafage. it was glorious! ... (more)

Westbound SD40-2s comprise a helper set racing toward a new task, probably a train at Farm. Photo by Jim Satterwhite. From my collection.

A friendly wave from the engineer as his train exits the west portal of Elkhorn Tunnel with empty hopper cars headed back to the coal mines.

Former N&W SD40-2 6162 leads an eastbound coal train up Elkhorn Grade, just west of the Elkhorn Tunnel, heading for Bluefield West Virginia.